The Amman Valley Chronicle and East Carmarthen News

Amman Valley Sporting Gossip I [By FREELANCE."I AMMANFORD v. GORSEINON. The local Soccer Club journeyed to Gorseinon on Saturday last to fulfil a League fixture. From the originally selected side [here were two absentees, namely, Hicks and Hughes. A late start was made, due to the climatic conditions and the bad state of the ground. The local lads soon became the, aggressors, and Parrot with a long shot netted a pretty goal. The game from here on be- came pretty fast, and the homesters made their presence felt. The trying' conditions soon began to tell on the Ammanites, and even- tually the homesters equalised. Although a stem fight was put up by the former, another two goals were added to the score of the homesters, who emerged victors by three goals to one. The ordinary time was not adhered COMMENTS. The goal netted by Parrot was the best seen on the ground that day. The ground was in an awful condition, and considerably handicapped play. A fresh player was given a trial on Satur- day, and he did not play a bad game. A few changes now and again should be encouraged. -The Ammanford team was by far superior, judging by ii)e day's play. LLANDEBIE v. LLANDOVERY. This match was played at Llandebie on Saturday last in wretched weather. Good football was out of the question, though credit must be given to the backs of both sides in attempting passing. However, the greasy state of the ball frustrated their efforts. Early in the game Geo. Evans, the home captain, narrowly missed dropping a goal, the ball falling under the crossbar by inches only. After this the game was confined chiefly to the forwards. Half-time arrived with no score registered. On the restart, Llandebie forwards held the upper hand almost throughout the game, and ultimately Alban Jenkins scored a try, which was not converted. Soon after this the whistle went. Final score: Llandebie, one try; Llandovery, nil. I COMMENTS. I The Llandovery team played a clean sportsmanlike game throughout, and great praise is due to them for coming from Llan- dovery in such inclement weather. To make any detailed comments on any department of the game would be folly, as it was impossible to play football proper in such weather. J LLANDILO v. CROSS HANDS. I The return match between the above teams was played at Cae William, Llandilo, on Saturday last. The rain came down in torrents, and it was decided to play only twenty minutes each way. Cross Hands won the toss, and played with their backs to the wind and rain, and pressed at once, nearly scoring on two occasions. Relief was brought by a high kick, and Dick Rees smartly follow- ing up, beat the Cross Hands full-back for the ball, but slipped and fell, and a certain try was missed. The visitors again kept up the pressure, and soon afterwards scored a try near the comer flag. The kick was not successful, and half-time came with the score: Cross Hands, one try; LIandilo, nil. Play was immediately resumed, and Llan- dilo now having the advantage of the elements, were quickly in the visitors' half, and after about eight minutes' play Waters, from a line-out near the goal line, scored a really good try. The extra points were not obtained. Several of the Cross Hands players now for some unknown reason left the ground, and there being only about half a dozen of their men left, it was decided to abandon the match, which thus ended in a draw. Final score: Llandilo, one try; Cross Hands, one try. I COMMENTS. Although the weather was indeed vrey bad, it is considered very unsportsmanlike for the visiting team not to have finished the game when they had only a matter of another ten minutes to play. Llandilo undoubtedly had a great chance of winning, as in the second half they had the wind, rain, and ground in their favour; and this may have had something to do with the conduct of a portion of the Cross Hands team. The game was played in a very friendly spirit until the dramatic finish, and then no reason whatever was given for some of the men running away, and their comrades who were left were quite as astonished as the home side and spectators. Major T. C. Thomas, O.B.E., M.C., held the whistle, and gave every satisfaction.

I Amman United Notes. I I [By "OLD SPORT."] I AMMANFORD v. AMMAN UNITED. I In view of the importance attached locally I to the above game, I have been asked to give an impression of the encounter 4rom an United Standpoint. Throughout last week the sole topic to be heard almost everywhere in the Valley was the prospects of both teams, and when Saturday morning broke with the promise of a fine day, excitement was at fever heat. The vagaries of our climate, however, were once more amply demonstrated, for just after noon rain began to fall, and fall heavily, too. In fact, the downpour lasted right throughout the after- noon. This, however, did not damp the spirits of the United supporters in the least. They invaded Ammanford in force, and the colours of the United were freely displayed in coat lapel and cap. One wag tied a red streamer to one of the lamp-posts of the Ammanford Railway Station just before the return journey. I presume this was a parting shot at the Ammanford team that the United colours were still flying aloft." It is not often that I have seen so much confidence displayed by visiting players and supporters as was shown by the visitors on Saturday last. Defeat was not to be thought of. More, it was ridiculed by the majority even when it was known that there were importations, actual, expected and rumoured, in the home team. I verily believe that nothing short of a national side would have shaken the confi- dence of some of the United supporters. An aggravating delay was caused owing to the non-arrival of the referee. Mr. W. J. Trew, the well-known Swansea representa- tive on the W.R.U. Selection Committee, had been mutually agreed upon by both teams. Unfortunately, his father-in-law died on Thursday, and thus he was prevented from officiating. At the same time, the W.R.U. secretary, well knowing the local importance of the game, should have seen to it that the substitute would put in an early appearance. The players and spectators were kept wait- ing fully half an hour in the pelting rain. At last a start was made with Mr. Joe Bevan, of Gamant, as a substitute until the official referee, Mr. W. J. Hill, of Swansea, arrived. The game had only been in progress a few minutes before Mr. Hill took up his duties, and while on the subject let me add that he carried out a difficult task in a very commend- able manner, and is to be complimented on the tactful way in which he handled the game. It is a rather difficult mat'.er to describe the play, for it was of the kick and rush order. There were, however, one or two bright inci- dents, and the United backs are to be com- mended for a couple of nice bouts of passing in the first half. The forwards were very evenly matched except in the line-out, where the Ammanford octette showed a slight superiority. In the scrums and the loose there was nothing to choose between them, and both packs did exceptionally well. Coming to the backs, however. I have no hesitation in saying that the visitors were the better lof, with the sole exception of inside-half, where the duel between Abbot Griffiths and Mock Rees was very keen, and here again honours were even. However, I think the Amman- ford team have a lot to thank their captain for. He got thorugh a tremendous lot of defensive work, and without him the home- sters would have been in a sorry plight. The United inside-half also did exceptionally well, nis head work at times being splendid. At outside-half, Joe Griffiths, for the United, played a strong defensive game, and was better than his vis-a-vis, whose only strong point was the way he took his passes. The visiting quartette was certainly superior to the home four,- and I am convinced that had the weather been favourable, the home team would have retired a beaten side. This opinion will probably be questioned by Am man ford i an s, but I will go so far as to say that we are a ten points better team behind than they are. The centres are small, but are full value for every ounce they carry, both in attack and defence, whilst Evan Phillips'' on the wing, with a little coaching, has the making of a brilliant outsider. One of his biggest faults at present is his tendency to barge his way back into the field of play, instead of making a bee-line for the rubicon. On the other wing, opinion i? divided as to the abilities of young Alwyn Morgan. Up to the present he has been unfortunate in his opportunities, each game he has played in having been on mud-heaps. He has not yet had a dry ground to show what he can do. However, I am strongly of the opinion that he has ability beyond the ordinary, and will prove of great service to the club if he is per- severed with. He has grit and speed; all he lacks is experience. It was a pleasure to see Joe Rees back again in his old position behind, and apart from a couple of mistakes which were pardonable on such a day, he was a tower of strength. His unorthodox play has become a byword amongst the critics, and had they been present on Saturday to see him on one occasion dash up and take the ball in the line-out they would have had another example of tactics that in most full-backs would bring disaster, but in Joe is the secret of his success. Three weeks hence will bring us to the return fixture, and I hope for all concerned that the Weather Clerk will prove kinder than on Saturday last. Let us hope also that the treasured record will also be intact, and then we shall have another battle-royal. After last weeks big game, even under the depressing conditions prevailing, I'm sure the Ammanford Committee have seen the folly oi their mistaken policy in refusing four fix- tures with Amman United this season. They are easily the best draw on their card. How- ever, I understand that two extra fixtures have been arranged, one at Ammanford for the benefit of Tom Llan Evans, the erstwhile Ammanford trainer, and the other at Gamant for the benefit of Cwmamman Park:

I Penybank Eisteddfod. I At the eisteddfod held at Pisgah Vestry, Penybank, on Thursday evening last, the whole of the positions were held by the mem- bers of the Ladies' Eisteddfod Committee. The event proved to be a great success, and under the guidance of the ladies a marked improvement in eisteddfodic organisation was noted. The chairman of the committee, to- gether with the other officials, worked ex- ceedingly hard to promote a worthy issue. Miss Mattie Rees, Llwynon Terrace, made a capital conductor, and in her Mrs. R. J. Williams, Modern Stores, found an able sub- stitute. The chairman of the Ladies' Com- mittee, Mrs. Edmund Jones, Port Talbot House, also deserves praise for the enthu- siastic manner in which she governed the pre- liminary arrangements. Mrs. Rosser Davies, Brynhyfryd, and Miss Myfanwy Morris, Golden Lion Inn, the treasurers, again did justice to the positions held. The secretary, Miss Annie Marshall, Oakland Villa, is to be complimented upon the very able manner in which she performed her arduous duties. Madam Evans, Tirydail, and Miss Blodwen Lewis, T ycroes, were the adjudicators of the musical and literary items. Miss Cassie Rees, Llwynon Terrace, was the accompanist. Awards:— Recitation under 8: 1, Mildred Vira Bevan, Penybank; 2, Lilian Morgans, Blaenau; 3, MJdred Williams, Penybank; 4, Myfanwy Daniels, Penybank. Solo under 8: 1, Dora Nicholas, Panty- ffynnon; 2, Mildred Williams, Penybank; 3, Mildred Vira Bevan, Penybank; 4,. Dilys Jones, Penybank. Recitation under 11: 1, David John Bevan, Penybank; 2, divided between Jennie Morris and Mildred Vira Bevan; 3, Cassie Roberts, Ammanford. Solo under 11: I, divided between May Morgans and Rachel Dorothy Williams, Llan- debie. Pianoforte solo under 12: 1, Clifford Jones, Garmwllt; 2, Olive Evans, Blaenau; 3, divided between Jennie Morris and Olive Williams, Penybank. Recitation under 13: 1, divided between May Bevan, Penybank, and Willie Morgan, Blaenau; 2, Alice May Bolton, Ammanford; 3, David John Bevan, Penybank. Solo under 13: I, Addie Rule, Penybank r 2 May Bevan, Penybank; 3, Amy Evans, olaenau. Recitation under 16: 1, Alice May Bolton Ammanford; 2, Willie Morgans, Blaenau; 3, May Bevan, Penybank. Solo under 16: Irene Fowler, Bettws; 2, Winston Rees, Ammanford. Pianoforte solo under 16: I, Gerald Rees, lycroes; 2, Ceridwen Davies, Ammanford; 3, Annie Morgans, Ammanford. Open solo under 18: Miss Irene Fowler, Bettws. Bass solo: Mr. Willie Anthony, Tycroes. Tenor solo: Mr. G. Thomas, Capel Hendre. Soprano solo: Miss Milora Thomas, Panty- ffynnon. Chief recitation: Miss Edith Williams, Tycroes. Party: Capel Hendre Friends. f Unpunctuated reading: Miss Edith Wil- liams, Tycroes.

Complimentary Concert to Mr. See. A. Thomas. DR. VAUGHAN THOMAS ON WELSH MUSIC. That gifted young Valley musician, Mr. George Arfryn Thomas, L.L.C.M., was on Monday evening worthily recognised by the inhabitants of Ammanford as a token of their appreciation of his talent and services to the locality. This delightful function was in- augurated by a few local men in close sym- pathy with the achievements of the recipient, who during the past few years has made rapid strides in the direction of success. His ready response to all deserving functions has been unparalleled, and the loss to the com- munity will be keenly felt by his departure for Cardiff, where he will pursue his music studies at the University College of Wales. Mr. W. J. Jones, Iscoed, and Councillor John, Harries (Irlwyn) had spared no effort in the realisation of due recompense for ideal services rendered. Furthermore, to retaliate in so efficient a manner is consistent with the past actions of the people in general. It may well be mentioned that Mr. Thomas has pre- sided at the piano at practically every recep- tion concert held in honour of the return of the lads in blue and khaki on the Bettws side of the river. Also, his playing has been in much demand on the Ammanford side. This fact was emphasised on Monday evening, when Dr. D. Vaughan Thomas, M.A., Mus. Doc. (Oxon.) Swansea, presided over a large and representative gathering at the Palace Theatre. The concert had been so well arranged that, included in the programme were some of the finest of our musical geniuses; in fact, the whole of the artistes were National Eisteddfod winners. The Bettws Orchestra, of which Mr. Geo. A. Thomas was the conductor, attended, and provided some excellent selections. It will be remembered that a little while back this noble band of instrumentalists made its debut. By its establishment, the undaunted efforts of this young musician were taxed to their utmost capacity, and to-day the fruits of his labour figure proudly and in grandeur. Dr. Vaughana Thomas, at the outset, said that he had been in many roles, but never one so unique as this. It was a great plea- sure for him to preside, in view of his interest in the abilities of Mr. Thomas. The Orches- tra then opened the musical part of the pro- gramme with the playing of Sousa's Liberty Bell." Mr. D. J. Davies, Nantyffyllon, the eminent tenor, then sang Gounod's aria, Lend me your aid." This was warmly appreciated. The Welsh nightingale," Madam Bessie Morris, received a great ovation. Her rendering of Love the Pedlar enraptured the audience. Berach Bach, as usual, provided a rare treat to the many followers of penillion singing. He re- sponded. The welcome return to our midst oif Mr. W. T. Rhys conveyed a deep im- pression. From his vast repertoire he sang Glorious Devon." His beautiful baritone voice added to the charm of the occasion. The Orchestra here played Rossini's Tan- credi," and which was followed by another of Gwalia's tenowned penillion singers, Miss Llinos Thomas. At this stage, Dr. Vaughan Thomas delivered an address. He said that he was pleased to identify himself with the move- ment, and to respect the ability of a young musician in the person of Mr. Thomas. He respected his ability so much that he would not miss the opportunity of coming there that evening. (Applause). Like Mr. Thomas, he was pleased to claim some connection with Bettws. The unique literary and musical genius of that district was rich in the love of Mabinogi. He remembered once going to an eisteddfod at Bettws as the accompanist. Mr. John Lloyd was the conductor at the time, and the late Watcyn Wyn was the adjudi- cator. The latter had been testing the com- petitors in a recitation. Two men were brought on to the platform, one to receive the prize and the other for the audience to see. Those Ammanites who were present, said Dr. Thomas, ought to be pleased to honour young men who were springing up from the country like this. People were going about of the opinion that the Welsh were not a cultured race. They should remind them of the great geniuses of Wales. The more he looked into the arts of music and poetry that had flourished in Wales, the more he became convinced that the Welsh nation need take off their hats to nobody. (Applause). Their principles were underlined in arts. The speaker referred to Mr. Gwyn Jones, of Aber- ystwyth, as one of the greatest literary lights in Europe. Professor Anwyl had said so. There was something Wales knew about arts. He was not a fighting man, and he did not say these things in defiance, but he was only out for fairplay. They wanted as Welshmen to keep their heads together and to think of the work of the past. They had been told that Wales knew nothing of orchestral music. Orchestral music was here, and Wales had had her orchestras. He would like to be quite fair. They wanted to move ahead more. Mr. Thomas would be leaving for a wider musical circle. He hoped that he would make the most of university culture. The great composers of the day were never super- ncial people. The speaker then referred to several of the world's greatest geniuses and their masterpieces, and as to how their work was creative matter into which they had devoted their energy. They had even featured social life, and the notes ran like volcanic eruptions coming up as wonderful music. He did not want to see them shep- herded about as they were now. Wales had long ago served its apprenticeship. He was continually in trouble with the Press on these matters. It was the last thing he desired. Wales was too old a nation and knew too much about artistic principlef to need being shepherded about. There was brilliancy in her literature. The Welshman was not antogonistic. The better educated the English- man, the better he appreciated the education of the Welshman. They as Welshmen had to use another language before they could reach the other people. He appealed to the English people to learn the Welsh tongue. He did not want to say it was a tremendous barrier. Dr. Thomas at this juncture paid a tribute to Dr. Parry, Emlyn Evans, and David Jenkkis. He had been delighted to listen to the Bettws Orchestral Society that night, and it was wrong to say that Wales knew nothing of instrumental music. It was a travesty of the fact. Councillor Wm. Evans, the chairman of the Concert Committee, hers handed over to Mr. Geo. A. Thomas a cheque, which he con- tended was only a part of the gratitude they owed him. The other part would be forth- coming. Mr. Thomas had always been ready to assist them at Ammanford. He remem- bered a time when it was useless a singer being accompanied by a piano. Now it was quite the reverse. Mr. Thomas was a young man possessed of an open heart, a winning smile, and a willing hand. Mr. Thomas, in a neat speech, responded, and said that there were two gentlemen to whom he was indebted. They were Dr. Vaughan Thomas' and Mr. Gwilym R. Jones, the conductor of the Ammanford Choir. The former the defender of gallant little Wales, and the latter, who led them to a magnificent victory at Corwc-n. The second part of the programme was then proceeded with, and was as follows:— Song, Cartrefi Gwynion Cymru," Madam Bessie Morris; song, Asra," Mr. D. J. Davies (encored and responded with The Golden Star ") song, "Shipmates o' Mine," Mr. W. T. Rhys (encored and responded with Tommy, Lad ") overture, Orphee aux Enrers," the Orchestra; duet, "Plant y Cedym," Messrs. D. J. Davies and W. T. Rhys; penillion, Miss Llinos Thomas and Berach Bach; song, Springtime," Madam Bessie Morris (encoted and responded with "Myfi sy'n magu'r Baban") march, "Mount Atlas," the Orchestra. At the close, Mr. T. M. Evans, M.A., proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Thomas for so ably presiding. The Rev. S. Jones, in seconding, described Dr. Thomas as one of Wales' wonderful musical geniuses. Dr. Thomas suitably responded. The harpist for the evening was Mr. Tom Bevan.

Education in Ammanford. I I THE FISHER ACT. I I IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. I I [Specially Contributed.] I Gwynfryn Congregational Church Vestry, last Friday evening, was occupied by the Trades and Labour Council and the Free Church Council. I am using the old name for that important body of representatives. There was some straight hitting; it was the first meeting between the two social for<|JS, which up till now the public had looked upon as not having anything in common. Indeed, some of us regarded the Trades and Labour Council as a new force which, if not hostile to the churches, looked upon them as a back number in the matter of social politics and economic reform. This conference, if it has done nothing else, has killed that assumption, and we have found a common all-embracing platform without overlapping the particular mission of either. During the discussion, the Rev. J. Griffiths, B.A., B.D., hit the Labour men straight and hard, and the Labour men took it; while Mr. T. Dafen Williams, in an outburst of righteous indignation, called the attention c-f the ministers in particular, and the churches in general, to the growing craze for dancing and all its attendant indecencies and temp- tations among the young people of the Valley. If Mr. T. Dafen Williams represents the spirit and attitude of the Labour Party to- wards social sins disguised as pleasures, then the churches ought to strive to imitate it. It certainly will give the church officers a more correct view of the Trades and Labour Council. Mr. Philip Evans, as chairman, struck a high note in introducing the Fisher Education Act, and his speech was clear and brief. County Councillor T. Parry Jones spoke on the purpose and possibilities of the Act. He told us he had not prepared an address. It was a happy omission, because he had to leave the dull path of dry chapters and sec- tions. He is an educationist—an idealist. I could recognise that theFisher Bill is some- thing to him worth striving for. He has delved into it for possibilities, and found helps for the young people of to-day denied him. His interpretation of its power to awaken and develop a new social conscious- ness, and its provision for helping "mothers" in the inifants' section. His plea for the mothers was worthy of the best in him, and touching. I have thought working men in- different and selfish. Mr. Parry Jones showed this meeting the true working man' s heart to- ward s his women folk. He laid a true emphasis on physical culture, its need, some- thing to colour the drab existence of a miner's of toil; but it must not be culture with an eye on military training for war. I am not a killjoy," said Mr. Jones; I want this to have its true place." 1 he extension of school life to young people was explained by the Rev. J. Griffiths in an excellent address. At a later stage, Mr. Griffiths raised the point of the parents sacrificing a day' s pay for the boy so as to avoid making a lad attend school after a day's toil in the mine. Both speakers on this question agreed that it would be fatal to any scheme to attempt to compel boys to attend school after a day's work, or when the picture shows were open. The meeting seemod to agree that Monday would be the most suitable time in the interests of the boys. I have no space to follow the meeting in its comments on the County Education Com- mittee—the cleavage between the industrial and agricultural sections. The speakers agreed that the trend of events indicated that the Authority were preparing to give their public the minimum of the Act. As Mr. Griffiths told us, there were mays and shalls in the Act. Of Nlr. Griffiths' address, I can only state it was up to his reputation as an educa- tionist, and was worthy of a great occasion. I am glad he is back again with us. I hope the ministry will form a Trade Union, so that he can have a place in the Trade and Labour Council. It was agreed to demand the Education Committee to draft their scheme, and to submit it to the parents and other interested bodies for consideration and suggestions, and to hold a public meeting in Ammanford to discuss it. Also to hold another conference between the two Councils. This meeting has sounded the war cry." I am hoping it is the first of series. Here lies the path of a fuller understanding and unity of effort in a common cause.

Ammanford Police Court. Monday, Decembr 15th.-Before Mr. D. Richards, Tirydail House (in the chair) Mr. David Davies, Cilrhedyn; Mr. Arthur Williams, Y Gelly; and Mr. Evan Evans, Ammanford. ALLEGED UNLAWFUL WOUNDING. Phillip Francis, Quarry Road, Panty- ffynnon, was brought up in custody and charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon David Jones, 52, High Street, Amman- ford. Only formal evidence was taken, the Deputy Chief Constable stating that the injured man was unable to be present, having been detained at Swansea Hospital as the result of the injuries received. Mr. J. R. Williams, Llandilo, for the defence, asked that bail be allowed. He understood that the Deputy Chief Constable was not opposed to the application. Evidence was then given by P.S. W. J. Britten, who deposed to arresting prisoner on Saturday morning last in consequence of information he had received. On being con- veyed to the Police Station, he was charged with the offence, committed between 9 and 10, a.m. on' the 12th December at the bynevor Tinplate Works, Pantyffynnon, and thereby causing a fracture of the left cheek- bone to the injured man by striking him with his fist. Prisoner then made the following statement:—" He came to me this morning about 10 o'clock and complained about my work. He is always complaining. He put his hand on me and showed me the way out of the works. He said, Phil, that is your way. I then lost control of myself and struck him on the face. I am sorry I have caused him much injuries. He did not fall." Continuing, the police officer said that the injured man was conveyed to Swansea Hos- pital for treatment and detained on Saturday morning. A remand was ordered until Monday next, and prisoner was allowed bail on his own recognisance in the sum of 150 and an- other of £ 50. Mr. Harry Edmunds, Panty- ffynnon, became surety. UNMUZZLED. Wm. Evans, Bryncellan, Penygroes, was fined 6s. for allowing his dog to be un- muzzled. P.C. W. A. Jones proved the offence. John Thomas, Penybont Shop, Glan- amman, against whom a similar charge was preferred, and also for allowing his black and tan sheep dog to be without a collar. P. C. Ben Roberts deposed to the offence being committed on the 2nd inst. in Amman- ford Road, Cwmamman. When asked for an explanation, defendant replied: The muzzle I've got is too small. My wife has sent for a new one. I didn't know a collar with the name and address was required." Defendant now stated that on the date of the offence he was away from home. The cellar had been on the dog's neck since it was ten months old. Questioned by the Bench, the defendant admitted that it only had the name John Thomas inscribed upon it. There was no address. The Chairman: There are other John Thomases. Continuing, defendant said that the officer admitted that the muzzle was on, but it was down. The Chairman: Was the offence committed on the highway? Defendant's wife (from the body of the Court): Not on the highway. It was between the two houses. I saw the police constable. The Chairman: Are you making a speech? If so, you had better come on. (Laughter). The Chairman (turning to defendant): If you want your wife as a witness, you can call her. She is not shy. Defendant then said that he had nothing more to add, and he was let off on payment of costs. SCHOOL REGULATIONS. In the case of Wm. Henry Powell, sum- moned for the non-attendance of his child at school, the Chairman asked that the Press would give every publicity to the fact that under Clause 9 of the New Education Act of 1918, no child who had attained the age of 14 years during the school term would be allowed to leave until the end of that term. The child would not be termed to have reached that age until the expiration of that period The defendant in this case pleaded ignorance, and was let off on payment of costs.

Sale of Work at Llandavery. A very successful sale of work and jumble stall was held at Gerwyn Church House on Thursday last, in aid of the Llanfair Church Restoration Fund. If pre-war conditions had continued, the fund in hand would have been adequate to complete the restoration, but with the enormous rise in the price of labour and material, it has been found, in sp?te or every economy, that some hundreds of pounds more are required to furnish the church with a new heating apparatus and lighting plant. Already a sum of about il,600 has been spent in renovating this most ancient and interesting building, whose past history embraces many incidents in the times of Vicar Pochard, Rlys Prytherch, Theophilus Evans, Luke Gwynne, and Williams Pantycelyn (whose remains are interred here), whose walls and windows will for many ages to come attract the attention of leading antiquaries. During the war, the Vicar and Church wardens were pressed by many sympathetic frien ds to post- pone their efforts to Llan fair until after the cessation of hot he tune has now corns, and the Church-people and Nonconformist friends of the parish nobly > responded on Thursday. A sum of over £500 was realised. THE OPENING CEREMONY. The bazaar w?.s opened by Co!. Jones, Csfncoedycymer. The Vicar, the Rev. D. Edmondes-Owen, in introducing Co!. Jones, said, he was a very active figure in chuTch life throughout the diocese. He expressed- his gratitude to the Bishcp of St. David s for his presence, and' expressed the hope that they would be abl", to make at least £300 towards the restoration of the ancient and historic church of Llanfair- ar-y-bryn. Col. Jones said he was very pleased to be present to help in the fund promoted for restoring this old church. He had always taken great interest in church work. He had been OT-r Llanfair Church that mor-,in;, ar4 found it very interesting. It was well worthy of being restored, and he hoped the amount would exceed all expectation. Mr. Williams, Llanfair Grange, moved a hearty vote of thinks to Col. Jones, and the Mayor (Councillor M. H. Nichols) seconded. The Bishop of St. David's, supporting, said that Col. Jones was one of the best lay- men in the diocese. He (the Bishop) had spent four very happy years at Llandovery as Warden of the College. He congratulated the Vicar upon h;s en&rgy in get:in? his fine a! d c ?l rc h ,d 1 1 &!d church restored, and also 'in erecting that fine hall. He further rderreël to the gn'at work done by tne present Vicar' s predecessor (the late Rev. Ebenezer Jones) when he restored Llandingat Church. The different stall holders were:— China and Crockery Stall: Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Dick Lloyd, im*ss -James, Mrs. Stewart, and Mrs. Morgan. Miscellaneous Stall: Mrs. Stokes, Mrs. Dan Davies, Mrs. Tom Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. D. J. Davies, Miss Morgan, Miss Lizzie Davies, Miss Evans, Miss Jones, and other members of Welsh congregation. Fancy Stall: Mrs. C. P. Lewis, Mrs. Douglas Jones, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Elton, and Miss Jeffreys Owen. Toy Stall: Mrs. M. H. Nichols, Mrs. Norman Owen, Mrs. Septimus Price, Mrs. David Jones, Mrs. Powis, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. D. P. jf>nes, Mrs. Soar, Mrs. W. T. Price,, and Mrs. Wyndham Price. Jumble Stall: Mrs. Poole Hughes, Mrs. F. Lewis, Mrs. Alfred Thomas, Mrs. Michael, Mrs. ans, Mrs. Griff Williams, Mrs. Lewis Thomas, Mrs. J. G. Evans, Mrs. Phillips, Miss Jones, and Mrs. James (Riga House) M. U. Stall: Mrs. Rowlands, Miss Thomas, Mrs. Jones (Coedparc), Mrs. Ted Nicholi, Mrs. J. Edwards, Mrs. Powell, Miss Davies- (Ton Deg), Miss Jenkins (Queen Street), Mrs. Williams (Y Dolau), Mrs. Davies (Vron Deg), and members of M.U. Sweet and Cigarette Stall: Mrs. Dan Jen- kins, Mrs. Thomas (Chestnut), Mrs. Lewis (Copper Beach), Mrs. Stephens, Miss Street,- Mrs. Blick, Mrs. Coles, and Mrs. Davies. Produce Stall: Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Hughes (Bran Villa), Mrs. Griffiths (Llajifair), Mrs. Vale, Mrs. Griffiths (Delfryn), Mrs. Harley, Mrs. Morgan and Miss Davies (LIwyn). Miss Davi es (Garth), Miss Lewis (New Road), Miss Bairrett,. Mrs. Evans (Pengoylan), Messrs. Jones (Brynte): Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Black, Mrs. Edmondes Owen, Mrs. Alfred Thomas, Mrs. Lewi; (Lletty- vandde), and Miss Batchie Griffiths: Tea: Mrs. Watkins, Miss Ida Lewis, Miss Rees (Trehyfrid), Miss Maisie Richards, Mrs. Albert Davies, Mrs. Daff Evans, Miss May Nichol, Miss Lizzie Davies, Miss Maggie Belman, Miss Maggie Griffiths, and other members of G.F.S. Side Shows: Rev. T. J. Rowlands, Mr. M. H. Nichols, Mr. Lewis Thomas, Mr. J, G. Evans, and Inspector Morgan. Billiard Tournament: Young Men's Guild. Hoop-la: Mr. C. B. Jones. The treasurer was Mrs. Williams; and the secretary, Mrs. Edmondes-Owen.

The Quaker Girl" at the Palace. There is hardly an English-speaking com- munity throughout the world where the music of The Quaker Girl is not well known, for this is undoubtedly one of the most popular musical comedies ever written, and the management of the Palace, Ammanford, are to be congratulated on securing such a magnificent company for their Christmas attraction. The Quaker Girl" will be played at the Palace for five nights, com- mencing Monday, December 22nd. One per- formance nightly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, no performance Christmas Day (when a special programme of films will be shown), and two performances nightly on Friday and Saturday. An exceedingly strong cast has been secured, which includes Louis Wigley, in his old part of Tony Chute, the American." 'Mr. Wigley has been connected with this part since the original production at the Adelphi Theatre, London, and one can hardly imagine a better exponent of the light- hearted, irresponsible Yankee. A sweet and delightful Prudence will be found in Miss Ivy Luck, who is a most accomplished dancer; and no lover of good singing should miss hear- ing Charles Wingrove' s magnificent voice in the famous numbers, Come to the Ball and Coleur de Rose." Comedy abounds in this delightful production, and two who are responsible for a considerable amount are Miss Maude Denny (who is another old favourite) and Mr. Norman Hearn, as Phoebe and Jeramiah" respectively. Their extremely I amusing duet, Mr. Jeremiah, Esq. fol- lowed by a delightfully eccentric dance, is a thing of joy for ever. The three acts are full of exquisite music by Lionel Monckton, who is undoubtedly one of our finest writers. A big company is supported by a, large and ex- cellent chorus, and the whole production is mounted and dressed in a most lavish manner. 'll be sure to This expensive engagement will be sure to meet with the success it deserves, so intending theatre-goers are advised to book their seats as soon as possib le. Printed and Published by the Amman Valley Chronicle, Limited, at their Offices, Quay Street, Ammanford, in the Cooty of Car- marthen, December 18th, 1919.